Attempted Theft by Deception / Recovery of $10,000.00

DATE & TIME: 09-15-2022 / 9:17 pm

LOCATION: Rural Blue Springs        

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft by Deception / Recovery of $10,000.00

CASE #: 2022-4893

A resident of rural Blue Springs, Nebraska received a phone call on Friday, September 15^th at about 5:30 pm from a person claiming to be a lawyer by the name of Charles Reed.  The “lawyer” stated the victim’s son was in a vehicle accident in Lincoln Nebraska. It was further stated that the accident involved a pregnant female and the victim’s son is now in jail. Charles said that in order to get his son out of jail, he was to pay 10% of $100,000.00, which came to $10,000.00, to an address in Forest Park, Georgia.

The victim sent $10,000.00 in cash via United Parcel Service (UPS) in Beatrice, however a few hours later thought it was suspicious and he contacted the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.  The responding deputy advised him to go back to UPS and have the shipment stopped and sent back.  The victim went to UPS that night and ordered a “Stop Delivery” on the package.

An investigator from the sheriff’s office followed up the next morning and was able to determine the package delivery had been stopped and was scheduled to be returned to the victim, which it eventually did.  The victim reported his package with the money was returned.

CAUTION:  Do not send large amounts of cash through the mail or other delivery services.  If you receive this type of call or suspicious contact, do not act respond to their request, rather contact local law enforcement or the Gage County Sheriff’s Office to determine if the issue is a scam.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310

Deputy T. Smith #90313